2 weeks Ago By Pengly Horng
Introduction: A Heartfelt Ode to an Enduring Friendship President Xi Jinping’s article, published on the Khmer Times on the joyous occasion of the Khmer New Year, is far more than a diplomatic statement—it is a profound celebration of the unbreakable bond between China and Cambodia. As a Cambodian, I am deeply moved by the warmth and sincerity President Xi conveys, describing his visit as akin to “going to the home of a good friend.” This sentiment, timed with the Khmer New Year—a festival of renewal, family, and communal harmony—infuses the article with a cultural resonance that elevates it into a heartfelt tribute.
The Khmer New Year, marked by rituals like the cleansing of Buddha statues and the sharing of traditional rice cakes, symbolizes a fresh beginning, mirroring the spirit of rejuvenation and unity that President Xi’s words inspire. In this exegesis, I wish to unpack the article’s rich themes, exploring their implications for Cambodia and celebrating the golden thread of friendship that ties our countries together, while offering a detailed analysis that amplifies its significance from a Cambodian perspective. Historical Ties: A Tapestry Woven Over Millennia President Xi begins his article by grounding the China-Cambodia relationship in a historical legacy that stretches back two millennia—a narrative that fills me with pride as a Khmer scholar.
He invokes the Maritime Silk Road, which shares a name with the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center at the Royal University of Phnom Penh that I founded and have actively supported since 2016. This center serves as a platform for research and collaboration, reflecting the historical ties between our nations. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), members of Chenla’s royal family were welcomed as Binhan —honored guests—in the imperial capital of Chang’an, a gesture that speaks to Cambodia’s early prominence in Asian diplomacy.
President Xi’s reference to the Bayon Temple bas-reliefs, which I photographed in 2016 and still keep on my phone, vividly illustrates this connection. These intricate reliefs depict Khmer merchants trading with their Chinese counterparts, their ships laden with goods like silk and spices. These intricate reliefs depict Khmer merchants trading with Chinese counterparts, their ships laden with goods like silk and spices.
As a scholar, I see these carvings as more than historical records—they are enduring proof to a relationship etched into the very soul of our cultural heritage. President Xi’s mention of Zhou Daguan, the 13th-century Chinese envoy who chronicled life in the Khmer Empire, adds another layer of depth. Zhou’s ‘The Customs of Cambodia’ remains one of the most detailed accounts of Angkor at its zenith, describing its majestic temples, vibrant markets, and sophisticated societal structures.
His observations—such as the use of palanquins by Khmer elites or the communal rice harvests—offer a glimpse into a civilization that awed even a seasoned traveler from the Yuan Dynasty. By honoring Zhou Daguan, President Xi not only acknowledges a shared historical figure but also elevates Cambodia’s role as a source of fascination and inspiration in Chinese historiography. This reverence for our past is a powerful reminder of the continuity that defines our relationship, a bond rooted in mutual respect and admiration that resonates with the Khmer value of honoring one’s ancestors.
To expand this further, consider the broader context of the Maritime Silk Road . Archaeological evidence, such as Chinese ceramics unearthed at sites like Koh Ker and Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, underscores the scale of trade between our peoples. These artifacts, ranging from delicate Song Dynasty porcelain to sturdy Yuan-era jars, suggest that Cambodia was not merely a waypoint but a vital hub in this ancient network.
Xi’s article, by invoking this history, invites us to reflect on how these early exchanges laid the foundation for today’s partnership—a foundation built on trust, curiosity, and mutual benefit that has weathered the centuries. Political Solidarity: A Bond Forged in Resilience and Trust President Xi’s portrayal of the political friendship between China and Cambodia is a stirring tribute to its resilience, forged by visionary leaders like the King Father King Norodom Sihanouk and Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai . He recounts their historic meeting at the Bandung Conference in 1955, where they connected “like old friends,” laying the groundwork for diplomatic ties established in 1958 despite intense international pressure.
For Cambodia, China’s steadfast support during our darkest days,- particularly against foreign aggression in the 20th century- remains a cornerstone of this friendship and cooperation. As the President notes, this solidarity has endured “rough times and smooth,” a testament to its strength and authenticity. The personal elements President Xi highlights transform this political bond into something deeply familial.
The late King Norodom Sihanou k’s 40-year residence in China, where he composed songs like Nostalgia of China, reflects a connection that transcends statecraft. These melodies, still cherished in Cambodia, evoke the landscapes of Beijing and the warmth of Chinese hospitality, blending Khmer and Chinese sensibilities into a harmonious whole. The Friendship Medal awarded to the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in 2019, China’s highest honor for foreigners, further cements this legacy.
Her grace and dedication to fostering ties between our nations embody the spirit of មិត្តភាព – the Khmer concept of friendship rooted in loyalty and mutual care. The annual visits by King Norodom Sihamoni and the Queen Mother to China, filled with intimate conversations about family and life, underscore the human dimension of this relationship, making it a living bond rather than a distant alliance. President Xi’s account of then- Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen braving a snowstorm to visit Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic is a vivid illustration of Cambodia’s reciprocal devotion.
In February 2020, as the world retreated into isolation, Samdech Techo Hun Sen ’s journey symbolized our refusal to abandon a friend in need—an act of courage that echoed China’s earlier support for Cambodia. This moment, widely reported and celebrated, reinforced the “ironclad friendship” President Xi describes. As a scholar, I see this as a modern embodiment of the Khmer proverb “ ទឹកដក់មិនហូរ មិត្តល្អមិនបោះបង់ ” (“Water stays still, a good friend never abandons”), a principle that defines our mutual commitment.
This solidarity extends beyond leaders to our peoples, who share a history of standing together against adversity, from colonial struggles to contemporary challenges. To deepen this analysis, consider the broader geopolitical implications. Cambodia’s cooperation with China has shaped its stance on issues like the South China Sea, where we have consistently supported dialogue over confrontation, reflecting our trust in China’s leadership.
Domestically, this friendship has bolstered Cambodia’s confidence in pursuing its own path, free from external dictates—a legacy of independence that the King Father Norodom Sihanou k and Samdech Decho Hun Sen championed and that President X i’s article reaffirms. This political synergy, built on shared principles of sovereignty and non-interference, positions our nations as partners in a multipolar world, a theme President Xi subtly weaves throughout his narrative. Economic Cooperation: Building a Foundation for Prosperity President Xi’s article illuminates the transformative power of economic cooperation, with China as Cambodia’s largest trading partner and investor.
The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) stands as a flagship achievement, hosting over 200 companies and employing more than 30,000 Cambodians. This industrial hub has turned a coastal city into a thriving center of manufacturing, producing everything from textiles to electronics for global markets. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, inaugurated in 2022 as Cambodia’s first modern highway, has reduced travel time between the capital and the port from five hours to two, unlocking new opportunities for trade and tourism.
These projects are not merely abstract statistics—they are lifelines that bring jobs, infrastructure, and hope to our people. The China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), signed in 2020, has further deepened this partnership, opening Chinese markets to Cambodian agricultural exports like rice, bananas, Pailin longan and mangoes. Rice, a staple that sustains 80% of our population and anchors traditions like the Pchum Ben ancestor festival, has seen exports to China soar, with over 300,000 tons shipped annually by 2023.
Bananas and mangoes, grown in provinces like Kampot and Kratie, have become symbols of rural prosperity, with farmers reporting doubled incomes thanks to Chinese demand. The Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework, launched in 2022, enhances this progress by modernizing agriculture through technology and training, ensuring that our fields yield more while preserving their cultural significance. President Xi also highlights monumental infrastructure projects: Cambodia’s largest hydropower plant, the Lower Sesan 2 Dam, which generates 400 megawatts and powers millions of homes; the Morodok Techo National Stadium, a 60,000-seat marvel hosting the 2023 SEA Games; and the Viaduct of Phnom Penh, easing urban congestion.
These initiatives reflect China’s commitment to Cambodia’s development, blending practicality with grandeur. The hydropower plant, for instance, has reduced our reliance on imported energy, cutting costs and boosting industrial growth, while the stadium has become a cultural hub, hosting concerts and festivals that celebrate Khmer identity. As a Khmer, I admire Xi’s emphasis on mutual benefit—unlike colonial models of exploitation, this partnership empowers Cambodia to stand taller on the global stage.
Reflecting personally, I recall visiting the SSEZ last year and witnessing young workers – many from rural villages – earning steady wages and dreaming of brighter futures. Their stories echo President Xi’s vision of equality, where economic ties uplift entire communities. Looking ahead, projects like the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, completed in 2023 with Chinese investment, promise to boost tourism, bringing millions more visitors to marvel at Angkor Wat.
This economic synergy is proof to a friendship that delivers tangible prosperity while honoring Cambodia’s sovereignty and aspirations. Cultural Exchanges: Nurturing the Heart of Khmer Identity One of the article’s most compelling themes is China’s role in cultural preservation and exchange, a commitment that resonates deeply with me as a Cambodian. President Xi praises the restoration of the Chau Say Tevoda Temple, Ta Keo Temple, and the Royal Palace of Angkor by Chinese experts, efforts that safeguard the Angkorian legacy—the spiritual and historical core of Khmer identity.
The Chau Say Tevoda Temple, a 12th-century jewel, was painstakingly rebuilt over 20 years, with Chinese archaeologists matching ancient stones to revive its intricate carvings of Apsaras and Vishnu. Visiting the site, I felt a surge of gratitude for this meticulous care, which ensures that our sacred spaces endure as living links to our past. President Xi also celebrates the growing tide of people-to-people exchanges.
Chinese tourists, numbering over 700,000 annually before the pandemic, flock to Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap Lake, their curiosity fostering mutual appreciation. Meanwhile, Cambodian students – over 2,000 in 2023 – study in China, mastering Mandarin and engineering while sharing Khmer traditions like Apsara dance with their peers. The China-Cambodia Friendship Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Village in Tbong Khmum province exemplifies this grassroots connection, providing wells, schools, and clinics to rural families.
President Xi’s anecdotes – a hearing-impaired girl speaking “Mama” after Chinese medical treatment, a wheelchair user walking again – bring this bond to life, showing how it transforms individual lives. The inclusion of the Chinese poetic verse “True Friendship like Refined Gold Withstands all Test of Time” could be paired with a Khmer proverb “មិត្តភាពពិតប្រាកដជាមាសសុទ្ធ មិនខ្លាចភ្លើង” (“True Friendship is like Pure gold that does not fear fire”, is a masterful stroke. It encapsulates the resilience of our shared values, suggesting that true friendship is purified by trials.
Seeing it in Xi’s article, I feel a profound sense of cultural kinship. This exchange extends to initiatives like the Cambodia-China Cultural Corridor, launched in 2021, which funds joint art exhibitions and film festivals, blending Khmer shadow puppetry with Chinese opera in a vibrant dialogue of traditions. Personally, I think of my own encounters with Chinese culture—sipping tea with my like-a-brother Associate Professor Dr.
Gu Jiayun of BFSU during my lecture tour to Peking University, BFSU, and Shanghai International Studies University; watching some of my students learn calligraphy; and observing the Chinese students react to scenes from the famous Cambodian novel Kolap Pailin . These moments, however small, mirror the broader cultural bridge President Xi describes, one that preserves our heritage while embracing modernity. By investing in our temples and our people, China ensures that Cambodia’s soul—its stories, its dances, its spirit—remains vibrant for generations.
Future Collaboration: A Vision of Shared Destiny President Xi’s forward-looking vision for a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is a beacon of hope, anchored in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). He emphasizes green development, digital innovation, and security cooperation—priorities that align seamlessly with Cambodia’s needs. The Industrial and Technological Corridor, set to launch in 2024, will bolster our manufacturing base with smart factories and renewable energy, while the Fish and Rice Corridor enhances food security by upgrading fisheries and rice paddies with Chinese technology.
These projects promise sustainable growth, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of our environment or traditions. President Xi’s focus on people-to-people connectivity—through youth exchanges, academic partnerships, and heritage projects—ensures that this future is inclusive. Imagine Cambodian students collaborating with Chinese peers on research, or joint teams excavating lost Khmer sites with advanced tools—these are the possibilities President Xi’s vision inspires.
His commitment to resisting external interference and championing Asian values reassures me as a scholar, affirming China’s respect for our autonomy. This stance echoes Cambodia’s historical defiance of colonial powers, a spirit President Xi channels into a call for global fairness and multipolarity. Speculating further, I envision future collaborations such as the establishment of a China Studies Center at RUPP (which is already featured in the Second Action Plan for Building a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future 2024-2028) to enhance professional connectivity, alongside think tank training aimed at achieving tangible outcomes from our cooperation.
Additionally, a China-Cambodia Green Energy Partnership could harness solar and wind power to electrify rural provinces, and a Digital Silk Road Academy could train our youth in coding and e-commerce. These initiatives could amplify President Xi’s optimism, fostering a partnership that thrives on innovation and equity. His closing verse, “True friendship, like refined gold, withstands all tests of time,” encapsulates this hope—a promise that our bond will shine brighter through every challenge, from climate crises to geopolitical shifts.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Pride and Promise President Xi Jinping’s article is a masterful verse to the China-Cambodia relationship, weaving together historical reverence, political trust, economic empowerment, cultural kinship, and visionary ambition into a narrative of timeless significance. For Cambodia, it is a source of pride—a recognition of our past glories and a pledge of shared prosperity. President Xi’s cultural sensitivity, from his New Year greetings to his use of Khmer proverbs, underscores a friendship that transcends diplomacy, while his portrayal of an “ironclad” bond offers stability in an uncertain world.
As a Cambodian scholar, I see this article as a legacy of honor—a tribute to our golden partnership and a clarion call to strive and thrive together. It inspires reflection on our journey, from the ancient traders of the Bayon reliefs to the modern workers of the SSEZ, and fuels optimism for a future where our nations stand as equals, united by trust and aspiration. In President Xi’s words, I find a vision of unity, resilience, and hope—a testament to a friendship that, like pure gold, endures and shines through the ages.
Assoc. Prof. Neak Chandarith Director, Cambodia 21 st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center, Institute for International Studies and Public Policy, Royal University of Phnom Penh.
